Celtics

Morning Sports Update: Isaiah Thomas after blowout loss: ‘We’re not as good as we thought we were’

The Nuggets overcame brutal scheduling and humbled the Celtics.

Isaiah Thomas was not pleased with the way he and his team played. Globe Staff/Jim Davis

November 7, 2016

The Celtics were served a slice of humble pie, and the Raiders improved to 7-2 after beating the Broncos.

Isaiah Thomas after blowout loss: “We’re not as good as we thought we were”:

Isaiah Thomas: “We’re not as good as we thought we were. When we don’t come out with a sense of urgency, we’re not a good team.”

— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) November 7, 2016

What’s wrong with the Celtics’ defense?: Brad Stevens reiterated his concerns with the team’s lack of physicality last night. Going into the matchup, Stevens had concerns about the Nuggets powerful frontcourt duo of Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic, and their physical style of play. “Obviously we’ve got some guys that aren’t playing that will play, but this is about physically holding your ground,” he said. “What’s most disappointing to me is the lack of physicality.” (ESPN Boston)

Some strong words from Brad Stevens: “The nicest way I can say this is: I think we play like a finesse team & [the Nuggets] play physical.”

— Marc D’Amico (@Marc_DAmico) November 7, 2016

Bill Belichick explains why Patriots appear healthier this year: The Patriots made a minor coaching change at the end of an injury plagued season last year, letting strength and conditioning coach Harold Nash go, and replacing him with Moses Cabrera. Bill Belichick spoke about this year’s better results in that regard, saying that although there is a certain degree of bad luck with injuries, the team has tried to work on improving nutrition, hydration, rest, and recovery. (WEEI)

What the Red Sox and other teams might be looking to do this offseason: With the World Series over, the offseason kicks off with the general manager’s meetings this week, and with it the rumors mill begins to churn. The Red Sox have a David Ortiz-sized hole to fill this offseason, but with possible regression from Hanley Ramirez and Dustin Pedroia, as well as the team’s poor postseason pitching, will other areas also need to be addressed? (Boston Globe)

Tom Brady: Seattle feels like past Super Bowl team, defense tries to ‘kick you around’: Tom Brady appeared on the radio this morning, and spoke about the team’s upcoming faceoff with the Seattle Seahawks, whom the team took on in its last Super Bowl victory. “They are a good team,” he said of this year’s Seahawks. “They feel like the team we played in the Super Bowl…They have playmakers at every level of the defense… It’s going to be a big challenge for us.” (WEEI)